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Neah Bay, Washington

Coordinates:48°21′56″N124°36′56″W/ 48.36556°N 124.61556°W/48.36556; -124.61556
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Neah Bay, Washington
CDP
Location of Neah Bay, Washington
Location of Neah Bay, Washington
Coordinates:48°21′56″N124°36′56″W/ 48.36556°N 124.61556°W/48.36556; -124.61556[1]
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
CountyClallam
Area
• Total2.4 sq mi (6.1 km2)
• Land2.4 sq mi (6.1 km2)
• Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
7 ft (2 m)
Population
(2020)[2]
• Total935
• Density335.8/sq mi (129.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8(Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)UTC-7(PDT)
ZIP code
98357
Area code360
FIPS code53-48295[3]
GNISfeature ID1512497[4]

Neah Bayis acensus-designated place(CDP) on theMakah ReservationinClallam County, Washington,United States. The population was 935 at the2020 census.It is across theCanada–US borderfromBritish Columbia.Europeans originally called it "Scarborough Harbour" in honor of Captain James Scarborough of theHudson's Bay Company.It was changed to Neah in 1847 by CaptainHenry Kellett.Kellett spelled it "Neeah Bay". The name "Neah" refers to theMakahChief Dee-ah, pronounced Neah in theKlallam language.During the summer months, Neah Bay is a popular fishing area for sports fishermen. Another attraction is theMakah Museum,which houses artifacts from a Makah village partly buried by a mudslide around 1750. Many people also visit to hike the Cape Trail or camp at Hobuck Beach. An emergency response tug is stationed at Neah Bay which has saved 41 vessels since its introduction in 1999.

Geography[edit]

According to theUnited States Census Bureau,Neah Bay has a total area of 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km2), all of it land. The community is approximately 118 mi (190 km) west-northwest ofSeattle.

Climate[edit]

Neah Bay has anoceanic climate(Köppen:Cfb), common in the small coastal cities ofWashington.Generally speaking, temperatures have little annual fluctuation being strongly influenced by thePacific Ocean,with the warm currents and patterns of the west as well as the mountains to the east that shape an extremely light climate, even between places in close conditions. Its climate is similar to southernNew Zealand,but with cool summers to cold and rarely warm as it is most common in these places.[5]To the west of theOlympic Mountains,Neah Bay has an often rainy climate and usually in larger numbers than theGulf Coast,the wettest place in theeastern US.[6]Although it is a pretty damp city, its average amount of snow falling is only slightly higher thanNorfolk,VA.[7]Sunshine hoursare typical for an often hazytemperate climate.[8]Climate data is taken from a weather station on nearbyTatoosh Island.

Climate data for Tatoosh, Washington
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 64
(18) 		64
(18) 		67
(19) 		75
(24) 		81
(27) 		82
(28) 		80
(27) 		78
(26) 		80
(27) 		77
(25) 		68
(20) 		61
(16) 		82
(28)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 45.3
(7.4) 		46.8
(8.2) 		48.0
(8.9) 		51.5
(10.8) 		55.0
(12.8) 		57.7
(14.3) 		59.5
(15.3) 		59.8
(15.4) 		59.1
(15.1) 		55.8
(13.2) 		50.7
(10.4) 		47.5
(8.6) 		53.1
(11.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 42.0
(5.6) 		43.2
(6.2) 		44.1
(6.7) 		47.3
(8.5) 		50.8
(10.4) 		53.7
(12.1) 		55.5
(13.1) 		55.8
(13.2) 		54.7
(12.6) 		51.9
(11.1) 		47.2
(8.4) 		44.2
(6.8) 		49.2
(9.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 38.7
(3.7) 		39.6
(4.2) 		40.2
(4.6) 		43.2
(6.2) 		46.7
(8.2) 		49.8
(9.9) 		51.5
(10.8) 		51.8
(11.0) 		50.3
(10.2) 		48.0
(8.9) 		43.6
(6.4) 		40.9
(4.9) 		45.4
(7.4)
Record low °F (°C) 14
(−10) 		20
(−7) 		25
(−4) 		33
(1) 		37
(3) 		43
(6) 		45
(7) 		45
(7) 		43
(6) 		33
(1) 		19
(−7) 		14
(−10) 		14
(−10)
Averageprecipitationinches (mm) 15.01
(381) 		12.11
(308) 		10.21
(259) 		6.86
(174) 		4.03
(102) 		3.02
(77) 		2.36
(60) 		2.29
(58) 		4.27
(108) 		10.30
(262) 		14.10
(358) 		16.02
(407) 		100.58
(2,554)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 3.5
(8.9) 		1.6
(4.1) 		1.7
(4.3) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0.4
(1.0) 		1.6
(4.1) 		8.8
(22)
Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) 22 19 20 17 13 13 11 12 11 17 21 24 199
Source: WRCC (normals 1931-1966)[9]

Panorama[edit]

Panoramic view of the Makah Marina at Neah Bay

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
2010865—
20209358.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[10][2]

As of the census[3]of 2010, there were 865 people, 282 households, and 181 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 335.8 people per square mile (129.9/km2). There were 322 housing units at an average density of 136.2/sq mi (52.7/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 12.1%White,0.2%African American,77.1%Native American,.7% fromother races,and 9.7% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 5.42% of the population.

There were 282 households, out of which 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.2% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the CDP, the age distribution of the population shows 34.0% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 123.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $21,635, and the median income for a family was $24,583. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $27,917 for females. Theper capita incomefor the CDP was $11,338. About 26.3% of families and 29.9% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 32.6% of those under age 18 and 32.6% of those age 65 or over.

History[edit]

Photograph of aMakahwoman carrying wood along Neah Bay in 1908 byAsahel Curtis

The name "Neah" refers to theMakahChief Dee-ah, pronounced Neah in theKlallam language.The town is named for the water body Neah Bay, which acquired its name in the early 19th century. A number of names were used for the bay before it was established as Neah Bay. In August 1788 CaptainCharles Duncan,a British trader, charted a bay at the location of Neah Bay, but did not give it a name. In 1790Manuel Quimpertook possession of the bay for Spain and named it "Bahía de Núñez Gaona" in honor ofAlonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta,viceroy ofNew Spain.In 1792Salvador Fidalgobegan to build a Spanish fort on Neah Bay, but the project failed within the year and the cannon and supplies were transported to the more northerly colony ofSanta Cruz de Nuca.While Fidalgo was working on the fortGeorge Vancouvercharted but did not stop at the bay. American traders called Neah Bay "Poverty Cove". In 1841 theUnited States Exploring ExpeditionunderCharles Wilkesmapped the region and named Neah Bay "Scarborough Harbour" in honor of Captain James Scarborough of theHudson's Bay Company,who had provided assistance to the expedition. The Wilkes map contained the first use of the word "Neah", but for the bay's island, now calledWaadah Island.The bay was first called Neah in 1847 by CaptainHenry Kellettduring his reorganization of the British Admiralty charts. Kellett spelled it "Neeah Bay".[11]

In 1929, theNeah Bay Dock Company,a subsidiary of thePuget Sound Navigation Company,owned a wharf and a hotel at Neah Bay.[12]

In 2020, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic,Neah Bay and the Makah Reservation were closed to anyone who was not a Makah tribal member. The tribal council decided to reopen the reservation on 15 March 2022.[13]

Indianwhalersstripping their prey at Neah Bay - 1910

Economy[edit]

The local economy is sustained mostly by fishing and tourism. During the summer Neah Bay is a popular fishing area for sports fishermen. Any visitor to the Makah land must buy a recreational permit for US$20.[14]The permit is good for the calendar year.

Fishing for bottom fish, such as ling cod, kelp greenling, black rockfish (sea bass), china rockfish, yellow eye and canary rockfish, among others. Ling cod fishing is good in spring and summer, whilesalmonfishing is good during summer runs. However, Neah Bay is mostly known for the besthalibutfishing in the lower 48 states. The United States halibut season generally lasts a handful of days in May and June, ending when a seasonal quota is attained. When the United States halibut season is closed, some fishermen obtain Canadian fishing licenses and launch from Neah Bay, running approximately 10 miles (16 km) to the portion of Swiftsure Bank that lies in Canadian waters.

Popular spots for halibut include "The Garbage Dump", located just inside theStrait of Juan de Fuca,and Swiftsure Bank — a few miles out into the open ocean. Larger boats (including many of the commercial charter boats available) often travel 30 nautical miles (60 km) or more into the open ocean, to such places as Blue Dot and 72-Square.

Arts and culture[edit]

Neah Bay's significant attraction is theMakah Museum.It houses and interprets artifacts from a Makah village partly buried by a mudslide around 1750[15]atOzette,providing a snapshot of pre-contact tribal life. The museum includes a replicalonghouse,canoes,basketry and whaling and fishing gear. Many people visit Neah Bay to hike the Cape Trail or camp at Hobuck Beach. While camping, tourists spend time surfing and fishing.

Coast Guard[edit]

TheUnited States Coast Guardmaintains a base in Neah Bay on theMakah Indian reservation.The base is maintained for search and rescue, environmental protection and maritime law enforcement operations.

TheCoast Guard cutterstationed inCleveland, Ohiois named theNeah Bay(WTGB-105).

Response tug[edit]

In order to prevent disabled ships and barges from grounding and causing possible oil spills in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca or off the outer coast, the state funded an emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay. It has saved 41 vessels since its introduction in 1999.[16]

Notable residents[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
  2. ^ab"2020 Census Data".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJuly 21,2023.
  3. ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
  4. ^"US Board on Geographic Names".United States Geological Survey.October 25, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
  5. ^"Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)".Weatherbase.RetrievedDecember 23,2018.
  6. ^"Rainfall and rainfall changes in the USA".www-das.uwyo.edu.RetrievedDecember 23,2018.
  7. ^"Neah Bay, Washington Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)".Weatherbase.RetrievedDecember 23,2018.
  8. ^"Sunshine Hours - USA".RetrievedMarch 22,2023.
  9. ^ "General Climate Summary Tables".Western Regional Climate Center.RetrievedNovember 25,2012.
  10. ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2016.
  11. ^Meany, Edmond S.(1921)."Origin of Washington Geographic Names".The Pacific Northwest Quarterly.X–XI.Washington University State Historical Society: 279–280.RetrievedJune 11,2009.
  12. ^Kline and Bayless,Ferryboats – A Legend on Puget Sound,at page182.
  13. ^"Neah Bay, Washington: Welcome".Makah Tribe.RetrievedMarch 22,2023.
  14. ^"Permits".Archived fromthe originalon December 11, 2006.RetrievedJanuary 26,2007.
  15. ^Prehistoric Cultures of North Americas.Crouthamel, American Indian Studies/Anthropology, Palomar College
  16. ^[1]Archived2012-01-26 at theWayback Machine
  17. ^Collins, Cary (March 4, 2014)."Edward Claplanhoo's Lifetime of Service".www.voiceofthevalley.com.Archived fromthe originalon March 16, 2014.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
  18. ^Ollikainen, Rob (June 27, 2010)."Makah elder, fluent native speaker and World War II veteran, dies at 92".Peninsula Daily News.RetrievedJuly 6,2010.
  19. ^Ollikainen, Rob (April 3, 2014)."Former Makah tribal chairman dead at 74".Peninsula Daily News.RetrievedMay 17,2014.

References[edit]

  • Kline, Mary S., and Bayless, G.A.,Ferryboats: A Legend on Puget Sound,Bayless Books, Seattle, Washington 1983ISBN0-914515-00-4

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related toNeah Bay, Washington.
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